Gaza truce talks still on in Doha: MoFA

Qatar Tribune

3 days ago

Khaled Al Hameidi
Doha
Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari on Tuesday reaffirmed that indirect negotiations aimed at achieving a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip are ongoing, despite what he described as an 'initial phase' in the process.
Speaking during his weekly press briefing, Dr Al Ansari dismissed reports suggesting the talks had stalled, emphasising that meetings and diplomatic efforts continue both in Doha and the United States.
'There is no deadlock in the talks to reach a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. As long as there are meetings in ‎Doha, it means negotiations are ongoing. The negotiating teams are still working in ‎Doha, and the direction is toward reaching a framework agreement on Gaza,' Dr Al Ansari added.
His comments came amid mounting concerns over the stalled progress of indirect talks, which have been held intermittently in Doha and mediated with support from the United States and Egypt.
Since the end of last week, the negotiations—intended to secure a 60-day truce that would include the release of hostages—have encountered visible difficulties, with both parties accusing each other of blocking progress.
Still, Dr Al Ansari remained cautiously optimistic, saying the diplomatic track had not been derailed.
'The indirect negotiations for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip are still in their initial phase,' he stated, stressing that Qatar remains in constant communication with key stakeholders, including the United States.
'There is ongoing communication, whether in Doha or the United States, to reach an agreement,' he added.
Responding to a Qatar Tribune question about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent reported remarks urging Qatar to 'choose a side,' Dr Al Ansari firmly dismissed the premise, emphasizing Qatar's policy of neutrality and constructive engagement.
'Qatar does not respond to such comment. Many people use Qatar as a scapegoat to hang their rhetoric on, and we do not respond to such statements.'
He noted that Doha's position has always been centered on mediation and dialogue, not alignment, reiterating that politicised attacks on Qatar's position only serve to distract from the urgent need for a ceasefire and humanitarian relief.
Dr Al Ansari also addressed regional escalations beyond Gaza. Responding to a question about recent Israeli airstrikes targeting the southern Syrian city of Sweida, Dr Al Ansari strongly condemned what he described as 'Israel's irresponsible policies in the region.'
'We cannot accept the absence of accountability for Israel's reckless behavior in the region,' he said. 'There must be international intervention to stop this reckless Israeli conduct.'